Exploring Solar Powered Water Pumps

Kidwind Small Water Pump
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Intended Grade Level(s):
3-5
Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Electricity Generation,
Solar Photovoltaic
Learning Goal(s):

Students will make observations about how a solar cell needs to be set up to push water through a pump and hypothesize about how energy is changing form as the pump runs.

Unit:
Introducing Solar Energy
Lesson Number:
4
Pedagogy & Practice:
Hands-on Materials
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems,
6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions,
7: Engaging in Argument from Evidence
Relevant NGSS PE:
4-PS3-2
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Speaking & Listening,
ELA: Writing
Estimated Activity Length:
1 hour
Files Associated with this Activity:
PDF icon Solar-Water-Pumps-Lesson-Plan.pdf
PDF icon Solar-Water-Pumps-Handout1.pdf
Description:

Students explore with a solar cell and a pump to discover how to make the pump run. They will hypothesize and informally test whether they can make the pump run faster or slower.

 

Science Kit Material(s) Used:
1.5-Volt 500mA Solar Module
2-Volt, 500mA Solar Modules
Kidwind Small Water Pump
Other Material(s) Used:
• Two-Column “Evidence” / “Conclusions” Chart • Two plastic containers (one larger)• Electrical Tape • Scissors • Copy of Handout 1